Inspired by a trip to Disneyland, Aerodynamics describes an imaginary flight on an open-air glider. When I was in college I went on a new ride at the California Adventure theme park called "Soarin' California" during which I was suspended in the air with my legs dangling as if I were in a hang glider. I was immersed in imagery of California landscapes that zoomed by as fans blew air at me to simulate incredible speed. Even the scent of pine forests wafted through the breeze to complete the experience. This ride was so visceral and powerful to me that I went on it over and over, taking it in with excitement every time. I am fascinated by high speeds and by flight, and Aerodynamics is my musical response to these visceral experiences. Musically, Aerodynamics is focused on the ebb and flow of fluid gestures, connected by a continuous stream of quickly repeated notes that represents the wind blowing at your face. Every line is echoed and mirrored so that a simple idea expands into a wash of sound. The listener may imagine taking flight throughout the piece, dipping and swooping as the shape of the music weaves its way from high to low and from small to large. This work uses a very limited amount of material, consisting almost entirely of a repetitive two note motive and a fleeting melody. The constant underlying motion builds the energy toward the end of the piece, where a climax combines the two main musical ideas in a majestic orchestral tutti.

The orchestral performance in this set is a live recording of the Florida State University Philharmonia, Alexandra Dee conducting (http://www.alexandradee.com), February 16, 2013

The wind ensemble performance in this set is a live recording of the CCM Wind Symphony, Rodney Winther conducting, October 20, 2010

for more information, please visit http://www.rogerzare.com/aero.htm

Aerodynamics for wind ensemble (CCM Wind Symphony, Rodney Winther conducting)

Music by composer Roger Zare. Check out more by visiting http://www.rogerzare.com